The Paris Olympics saw many mesmerizing moments from the perspective of fans, and athletes. One such was the women’s long jump finals won by Tara Davis-Woodhall. She secured her career-first Olympic gold medal, something that she desired for a long time since she was in her junior level of athletics. Apart from that, she also watched her husband Hunter Woodhall claim his Paralympic medal, and immediately it made them a favorite couple in the world.

However, Tara didn’t take a long time to make a major career decision. Indeed, she signed a contract with the Kansas State University, as she will be presenting the Wildcats as an assistant coach. There’s a big responsibility on her shoulders, but she’s ready to take it. And as it’s 2025 already, she’s ready for her first challenge as an assistant coach of the Kansas Wildcats.

Taking up a big role in her athletic career

Tara Davis-Woodhall has a huge fan base, but none of them expected her to become the assistant coach of the Kansas Wildcats right after securing her Olympic gold medal. Indeed, Tara Davis-Woodhall did not join the team during her junior career, as she competed for the University of Georgia and the University of Texas in the NCAA. Tara also secured her own NCAA title with Texas back in 2021 in the long jump, and she will be delighted to come back to the scene but in a new role and with a new university.

On Instagram, the Wildcats shared an image of their new assistant coach and wrote, “Hey @_tarra_, how many days till season starts for the Cats?” A major question? Indeed, the NCAA fans have been eagerly anticipating some track and field action. But did they get any reply? Yes, Tara responded to this Instagram story, reposting it on her own profile, stating, “My favorite number 8”

That’s right! The NCAA track and field season will be kicking off soon, and Tara couldn’t be more excited. She has taken up the role with a lot of responsibility, but it will also help her in many ways to connect with more people on the scene, especially the up-and-coming athletes at Kansas State University. Watching an Olympic champion as a coach will also inspire many youngsters to pursue the same path, but Tara will always want them to follow their dreams at their own pace. 

Remember what the Director of Track and Field at Kansas State University, Travis Geopfert said when she joined? “I’m thrilled to have Tara joining us at K-State. To say that she brings the energy is an understatement. I’ve loved coaching this young woman for the last three years and to bring her elite level experience to Manhattan is absolutely invaluable. She knows what it takes to be great, and she also fully understands the challenges of what life is like as both a student-athlete and as a professional athlete. Her mentorship of these young student athletes is going to expedite their careers to an elite level in dramatic fashion. So excited to have TDW and her husband Hunter joining us in Manhattan!”

Indeed, Geopfert couldn’t be happier watching his student climb up the ranks to an assistant coach at such a reputed university. Like the rest of the team, Geopfert is thrilled to have Tara join the squad, as her experience and personality, demonstrated in her track and field events, will be a valuable asset. However, what was the real reason for her jumping ships in athletics?

Tara Davis Woodhall’s opinion on the coaching switch

Being an Olympic athlete is never easy, and neither is the role of an assistant coach. However, Tara Davis-Woodhall is not afraid of challenges in life, as she revealed the reasons during an interview with Self, for accepting this role at Kansas State University, stating, “I think it’ll help me become a better athlete in my own right. I get to learn my sport in a different way and see it in a different light. I also just want to be someone that I needed in college.” 

Indeed, she wants to view the track and field scene from a different lens, as it will be a valuable experience for her in her athletics journey. Furthermore, talking about the role, she unveiled, stating, “I went through a lot of things in college, like injuries, depression, parents divorcing, transferring schools. I went through so much that I feel like I have some knowledge and experience that will help me be a mentor, as well as having been successful in the sport in college. And I’m also only 25, so I’m not that much older than the students and can relate to what they’re going through.”

Tara is aware of the fact that she’s still young enough to compete in major events. However, she is also ready to find her time and teach the next generation of the sport. She had been through a lot throughout her NCAA career, and with experience, she could help these youngsters achieve their ambitions while having someone as supportive as the Olympic long jumper. And she’s looking forward to being a mentor to many!